The golden rules of rugging

Just like humans, horses are individuals and some will cope better in cold weather than others. You know your horse better than anyone, so rug for his needs, not yours.

1 Don’t rug your horse based on how cold you feel as his body is better able to cope with a dip in temperature.

2 Older, younger, thin and clipped horses will be more sensitive to the cold.

3 For most horses (unless clipped and living out 24/7), rugs shouldn’t be needed before the overnight temperature is between 5°C and 10°C.

4 Start with lightweight rugs and move to rugs with a heavier filling as it gets colder.

l5 Avoid rugging your horse all day when he’s turned out. An hour a day without a rug will allow for the sun’s rays to boost his vitamin D levels.

6 A combination of wind, cold temperature and rain will lead to the greatest heat loss.

7 To check your horse is warm, place your hand under his rug just behind his withers. If he feels cold, a thicker rug may be needed. If he feels damp, he’s probably too warm, so pop a lighter rug on.

8 If you over-rug your horse he’ll use less energy to keep warm. This will be deposited as fat, leading to weight gain.

9 Horses with short coats and little body fat will lose weight in colder weather and benefit from wearing a rug.

10 Without access to a field shelter (or natural shelter) your horse will need a thicker rug as the temperature drops.